An individualized fall prevention program for older adults: Partnerships in practice

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The aim of this research will be to reduce the risk of patient falls during home visits and scheduled assessements for older adults. One of the major concerns in caring for a older adult living in the community is the increased susceptibility to falls based on the risk factors: history of falls, decreased independence in ADL's, use of assistance devices, osteoarthritis, environmental safety, cognitive impairment, incontinence, vision impairment, hearing, and medications.</p> <p><strong>Significance: </strong>Each year, an estimated one third of older adults fall, and the likelihood of falling increases substantially with advancing age (CDC, 2009). Older adults with mild, moderate, or severe risk factors should be evaluated for individualized interventions for fall prevention. Ongoing health teaching, social support, and a community more aware of the issues and resources can support collaboration in community practice settings and communities.</p> <p><strong>Research Design:</strong> This study used a convenience sample of older adults in a community agency. A new falls prevention assement tool was designed and implemented for a pilot study and assessment with resulting recommendations for practice. The resulting review of literature, abstraction of client charts, and follow-up home visits were developed over a period of two years with this falls assessment tool being used in three phases resulting in the decrease in falls for older adults and safety in the home.</p> <p><strong>Implications for Practice:</strong> An individualized fall prevention program in a community practice site can support quality of life, safety, education, and reduce falls. Health providers need to collaborate and support the use of in-home monitoring systems and technology with education as an early interventions to falls prevention in the home. Outreaching to the community can support the wellness of the community and decrease hospitalization, costs to providers and older adults.</p>